Accommodation and residence

The sale of existing residential premises is input taxed, but the sale of new residential premises is taxable.

The sale of commercial residential premises, such as a hotel or caravan park, is taxable subject to the ‘going concern’ exemption.

Accommodation provided by charities at less than 75% of market value or cost is GST-free.

The provision of private rented accommodation is input taxed.

The provision of accommodation in commercial residential premises is taxable, though special rules apply to long-term stays.

If you provide a bed and breakfast at your own home, expenses will need to be apportioned to reflect the business usage in order to calculate input tax credits.

Leases of commercial premises such as shops and offices are taxable.

Restaurant, catered or eat-in food is subject to GST. Hot takeaway food is subject to GST.

Tips nor free promotion are subject to GST.

No GST is payable on refunded deposits, however GST may apply to cancellations.

If items are stolen by guests, no adjustment need be made to the input tax credit claimed for the item.

Input tax credits can be claimed for uniforms, tools and equipment purchased for staff, and in certain cases where staff are reimbursed for purchases.

Abbreviated forms of tax invoices for smaller sales may be satisfied by cash receipts.

There is no need to issue a tax invoice if the value of the supply, excluding GST, is $75 or less.

GST on sales through coin-operated machines is attributed to the tax period in which the machine is emptied.

A free shuttle bus from the airport provided to guests is not subject to GST, but input tax credits can be claimed for the cost of providing that service.

Special rules apply to accommodation vouchers.

Home loans and home loan fees are input taxed as financial supplies, so no GST is payable on them.

Water, sewerage and storm water drainage fees are GST-free.

Local government ratable services are not subject to GST . Land tax is not subject to GST.

Estate agents’ and solicitors’ fees and advertising costs on property transfers are subject to GST.

New house construction costs are subject to GST. House alterations are subject to GST.

If an amount under a building contract is retained pending satisfactory completion, the GST is deferred until it is actually paid over.

A body corporate of a block of home units must register if its turnover is $75,000 or more, in accordance with the normal rules.

Student accommodation is GST-free if the student is undertaking a GST free primary, secondary or special education course.

GST applies to the services of registered contractors but not employees.

Our dedicated team can assist you with all your accounting and GST related matters. Complete and submit the Express Enquiry form on the top right hand side of this page and we will contact you to discuss your enquiry or call us on 1300 QUINNS (1300 784 667) or on +61 2 9223 9166 to arrange an appointment.